U.S. patent application number 10/008013 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-20 for multi-layer high spin golf ball.
Invention is credited to Cavallaro, Christopher, Dalton, Jeffrey L., Rajagopalan, Murali.
Application Number | 20020077196 10/008013 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32074916 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020077196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dalton, Jeffrey L. ; et
al. |
June 20, 2002 |
Multi-layer high spin golf ball
Abstract
A golf ball comprising a core of one or more layers, a cover
layer of one or more layers and a mantle layer disposed between the
core and the cover. The mantle layer comprises a thermoplastic
material, preferably having a hardness of greater than 60 Shore D
and a Bashore resilience of greater than 34 and a vicat point of
greater than 350.degree. F.
Inventors: |
Dalton, Jeffrey L.; (North
Dartmouth, MA) ; Cavallaro, Christopher; (Lakeville,
MA) ; Rajagopalan, Murali; (South Dartmouth,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Troy R. Lester
Acushnet Company
333 Bridge Street
Fairhaven
MA
02719
US
|
Family ID: |
32074916 |
Appl. No.: |
10/008013 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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09161223 |
Sep 28, 1998 |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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08996718 |
Dec 23, 1997 |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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08706008 |
Aug 30, 1996 |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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08603057 |
Feb 16, 1996 |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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08606373 |
Feb 23, 1996 |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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08746362 |
Nov 8, 1996 |
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10008013 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
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08482522 |
Jun 7, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/373 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08L 23/08 20130101;
C08L 51/00 20130101; C08L 75/06 20130101; C08L 53/00 20130101; C08L
53/00 20130101; C08L 75/04 20130101; B32B 27/40 20130101; C08L
53/025 20130101; C08L 75/06 20130101; C08L 23/0876 20130101; A63B
37/0064 20130101; C08L 53/00 20130101; B32B 27/36 20130101; C08L
75/04 20130101; C08L 75/04 20130101; C08L 23/0869 20130101; C08L
23/08 20130101; C08L 75/04 20130101; A63B 37/0003 20130101; C08L
23/0876 20130101; C08L 23/08 20130101; C08L 53/00 20130101; C08L
67/025 20130101; C08L 53/02 20130101; C08F 210/02 20130101; A63B
37/008 20130101; C08L 53/02 20130101; C08L 2205/02 20130101; B29C
43/305 20130101; C08L 9/00 20130101; B29C 2043/3644 20130101; C08L
51/00 20130101; C08L 53/00 20130101; C08L 53/025 20130101; C08L
51/00 20130101; A63B 37/0031 20130101; C08F 210/02 20130101; C08L
23/0876 20130101; C08L 23/08 20130101; C08L 51/00 20130101; A63B
37/0033 20130101; A63B 37/0037 20130101; C08F 220/06 20130101; C08L
2666/20 20130101; C08L 2666/02 20130101; C08L 2666/24 20130101;
C08L 2666/02 20130101; C08L 2666/14 20130101; C08L 2666/02
20130101; C08L 2666/24 20130101; C08L 2666/20 20130101; C08L
2666/06 20130101; C08L 2666/02 20130101; C08L 2666/18 20130101;
C08L 2666/24 20130101; C08L 2666/02 20130101; C08L 2666/06
20130101; C08L 2666/06 20130101; C08L 2666/04 20130101; C08L
2666/24 20130101; C08L 2666/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/373 |
International
Class: |
A63B 037/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf ball comprising: (a) a core of two or more layers; (b) a
cover layer of one or more layers; and (c) a mantle layer disposed
between the core and the cover; wherein the mantle layer comprises
a non-ionomeric, thermoplastic material, having a hardness of less
than 60 Shore D and a resilience of greater than 34.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the mantle
layer is from about 0.025 inches to about 0.125 inches.
3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the core is comprised of an
inner core layer and outer core layer and the inner core layer is
comprised of a polybutadene rubber and organosulfer compound.
4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the diameter of the core is
about 1.40 inches to about 1.570 inches.
5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the mantle has a flex modulus
of about 500 psi to about 50,000 psi.
6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the mantle has a tensile
modulus of about 500 psi to about 50,000 psi.
7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the overall diameter of the
finished ball is about 1.68 inches to about 1.80 inches.
8. A golf ball comprising: core of one or more layers having a
compression of about 30 to 90; cover of one or more layers; mantle
layer disposed between the core and the cover and having a vicat
point of greater than about 350.degree. F.
9. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the cover is comprised of a
polyurethane or polyurea based material.
10. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the core is comprised of an
inner core layer and an outer core layer.
11. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the mantle has a Shore D
hardness of at least about 60.
12. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the mantle layer has a
thickness of less than about 0.1 inch.
13. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the mantle layer is a
non-ionomeric, thermoplastic elastomer.
14. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein the mantle layer has a
flexural modulus of at least about 45,000 psi.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/161,223 filed Sep. 28, 1998, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/996,718, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,389, Ser. No. 08/706,008 now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,923, Ser. No. 08/603,057 now U.S. Pat. No.
5,759,676, Ser. No. 08/606,373 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,304, and
Ser. No. 08/746,362 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,810678, which were filed
Dec. 23, 1997, Aug. 30, 1996, Feb. 16, 1996, Feb. 23, 1996, and
Nov. 8, 1996, respectively, which are continuation-in-part
applications of patent application Ser. No. 08/482,522, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,688,191, filed Jun. 7, 1995.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to golf balls, and more
specifically, to a multilayer golf ball. In particular, this
invention relates to a golf ball having a core with one or more
layers, at least one cover layer with a flexural modulus ranging
from about 1,000 psi to about 200,000 psi and one or more mantle
layers disposed between the core and cover layer. The multilayer
golf balls of the present invention have been found to provide good
distance and spin characteristics.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional golf balls can be divided into two general
types or groups: two piece balls or wound balls (also know as
three-piece balls). The difference in play characteristics
resulting from these different types of constructions can be quite
significant.
[0004] Balls having a two piece construction are generally most
popular with the average recreational golfer because they provide a
very durable ball while also providing maximum distance. Two piece
balls are made with a single solid core, usually made of a
crosslinked rubber, which is encased by a cover material. Typically
the solid core is made of polybutadiene which is chemically
crosslinked with zinc diacrylate and/or similar crosslinking agents
and is covered by a tough, cut-proof blended cover. The cover is
generally a material such as SURLYN.RTM., which is a trademark for
an ionomer resin produced by DuPont. The combination of the core
and cover materials provide a "hard" ball that is virtually
indestructible by golfers. Further, such a combination imparts a
high initial velocity to the ball which results in improved
distance. Because these materials are very rigid, two piece balls
have a relatively low spin rate which makes them difficult to
control, particularly on shorter approach shots. However, as golf
ball manufacturers continue to improve the spin and feel
characteristics of the two piece ball, it is likely that the two
piece ball will continue to grow in popularity.
[0005] Consequently, a need exists for an improved ball which
provides relative ease of manufacturing, durability and
distance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed towards a multi-layer golf
ball which provides good spin characteristics, while also providing
the distance, durability and relative ease of manufacturing.
[0007] The present invention is further directed towards a
multi-layer golf ball which comprises a core with one or more
layers; at least one cover layer; and one or more mantle layers
disposed between the core and cover layer, wherein the mantle layer
comprises dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer,
functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic
polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyetherester or polyetheramide, a
thermoplastic ionomer resin, a thermoplastic polyester, another
dynamically vulcanized elastomer, another a functionalized
styrene-butadiene elastomer, another a metallocene polymer or
blends thereof and/or thermoset materials.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is also
directed towards a multi-layer golf ball which comprises a core; a
cover layer comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein
the outer layer comprises a material with a lower melting point or
heat of reaction temperature (also referred to as cure temperature)
than that of the material of the inner layer; and at least one
mantle layer disposed between the core and cover layer, wherein the
mantle layer comprises dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic
elastomer, functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer,
thermoplastic polyurethane or metallocene polymer and blends
thereof.
[0009] The present invention is still further directed to a
multi-layer golf ball which comprises a core, at least one cover
layer and at least one mantle layer disposed between the core and
cover layer wherein properties such as the thickness, hardness,
flexural modulus, tensile modulus or Bashore resilience of the
various layers is such as to provide a ball with optimum
performance characteristics.
BRIEF DESTRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf ball according to the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a golf ball according to
the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second golf ball
according to the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a third golf ball
according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, this invention is particularly
directed towards a multi-layer golf ball 10 which comprises a core
12, at least one cover layer 16 and at least one mantle layer 14
disposed therebetween, wherein the mantle layer comprises
dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, functionalized
styrene-butadiene elastomer, thermoplastic polyurethane or
metallocene polymer or blends thereof. In FIG. 3, the invention is
directed to a ball 20, comprised of a core having layers 12a, 12b
and/or 12c, mantle layer 14 and cover 16. In FIG. 4, the present
invention is directed to a golf ball 30 comprised of a core having
layers 12a, 12b and/or 12c, mantle layer 14 and cover layers 16a
and 16b. These aspects of the invention are discussed in more
detail below.
[0015] Suitable dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers
include Santoprene.RTM., Sarlink.RTM., Vyram.RTM., Dytron.RTM. and
Vistaflex.RTM.. Santoprene.RTM. is the trademark for a dynamically
vulcanized PP/EPDM. Santoprene.RTM. 203-40 is an example of a
preferred Santoprene.RTM. and is commercially available from
Advanced Elastomer Systems. Examples of suitable functionalized
styrene-butadiene elastomers include Kraton FG-1901x and FG-1921x,
which is available from the Shell Corporation. Examples of suitable
thermoplastic polyurethanes include Estane.RTM. 58133, Estane.RTM.
58134 and Estane.RTM. 58144, which are commercially available from
the B. F. Goodrich Company. Suitable metallocene polymers whose
melting points are higher than the cover materials can also be
employed in the mantle layer of the present invention. Further, the
materials for the mantle layer described above may be in the form
of a foamed polymeric material. For example, suitable metallocene
polymers include foams of thermoplastic elastomers based on
metallocene single-site catalyst-based foams. Such
metallocene-based foam resins are commercially available from
Sentinel Products of Hyannis, Mass.
[0016] The mantle layer may comprise up to 100% by weight of a
dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, a functionalized
styrene-butadiene elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a
metallocene polymer or blends thereof. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the mantle layer comprises Santoprene.RTM.,
thermoplastic polyurethane or blends thereof.
[0017] However, in another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the mantle layer comprises a dynamically vulcanized
thermoplastic elastomer, a functionalized styrene-butadiene
elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane or a metallocene polymer, a
thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyetherester or
polyetheramide, a thermoplastic ionomer resin, a thermoplastic
polyester, another dynamically vulcanized elastomer, another a
functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomer, another a metallocene
polymer or blends thereof.
[0018] Suitable thermoplastic polyetheresters include Hytrel.RTM.
3078, Hytrel.RTM. 3548, Hytrel.RTM. 4078, Hytrel.RTM. 4069,
Hytrel.RTM. 6356, Hytrel.RTM. 7246, and Hytrel.RTM. 8238 which are
commercially available from DuPont. Suitable thermoplastic
polyetheramides include Pebax.RTM. 2533, Pebax.RTM. 3533,
Pebax.RTM. 4033, Pebax.RTM. 5533, Pebax.RTM. 6333, and Pebax.RTM.
7033 which are available from Elf-Atochem. Suitable thermoplastic
ionomer resins include any number of olefinic based ionomers
including SURLYN.RTM. and Iotek.RTM., which are commercially
available from DuPont and Exxon, respectively. The flexural moduli
for these ionomers is about 1000 psi to about 200,000 psi. Suitable
thermoplastic polyesters include polybutylene terephthalate.
Likewise, the dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers,
functionalized styrene-butadiene elastomers, thermoplastic
polyurethane or metallocene polymers identified above are also
useful as the second thermoplastic in such blends. Further, the
materials of the second thermoplastic described above may be in the
form of a foamed polymeric material.
[0019] Such thermoplastic blends comprise about 1% to about 99% by
weight of a first thermoplastic and about 99% to about 1% by weight
of a second thermoplastic. Preferably the thermoplastic blend
comprises about 5% to about 95% by weight of a first thermoplastic
and about 5% to about 95% by weight of a second thermoplastic. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first
thermoplastic material of the blend is a thermoplastic
polyetherester, such as Hytrel.RTM..
[0020] The present invention also contemplates the use of a variety
of non-conventional cover materials. In particular, the covers of
the present invention may comprise thermoplastic or engineering
plastics such as ethylene or propylene based homopolymers and
copolymers including functional monomers such as acrylic and
methacrylic acid and fully or partially neutralized ionomers and
their blends, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate homopolymers and
copolymers, imidized, amino group containing polymers,
polycarbonate, reinforced polyamides, polyphenylene oxide, high
impact polystyrene, polyether ketone, polysulfone, poly(phenylene
sulfide), reinforced engineering plastics, acrylonitrile-butadiene,
acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, poly(ethylene terephthalate),
poly(butylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene-vinyl alcohol),
poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and their copolymers including functional
comonomers and blends thereof. These polymers or copolymers can be
further reinforced by blending with a wide range of fillers and
glass fibers or spheres or wood pulp.
[0021] The core of the present invention may comprise a variety of
materials, including those conventionally employed as golf ball
cores. The conventional materials for such cores include core
compositions having a base rubber, a crosslinking agent, a filler
and a co-crosslinking agent. The base rubber typically includes
natural or synthetic rubbers. A preferred base rubber is
1,4-polybutadiene having a cis-structure of at least 40%. Natural
rubber, polyisoprene rubber and/or styrene-butadiene rubber may be
optionally added to the 1,4-polybutadiene. The initiator included
in the core composition can be any known polymerization initiator
which decomposes during the cure cycle. The crosslinking agent
includes a metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid such as a zinc
salt or a magnesium salt of an unsaturated fatty acid having 3 to 8
carbon atoms such as acrylic or methacrylic acid. The filler
typically includes materials such as tungsten, zinc oxide, barium
sulfate, silica, calcium carbonate, zinc carbonate and the
like.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the core
comprises a center which is liquid-filled or solid around which an
elastic thread is wound. The solid center is typically a homogenous
mass of a resilient material such as polybutadiene or a natural
rubber. The liquid-filled center is typically a thin walled sphere
into which a liquid such as corn syrup is injected by means of a
hypodermic needle. The sphere is then sealed and frozen to make the
center a solid mass. The windings for either type of center are
provided by an elastic thread which is stretched and wound about
the center to a desired thickness.
[0023] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the core is
solid and has a diameter of at least about 1.50 inches. Preferably,
the core has one or more layers and one of the layers comprises a
polybutadiene rubber composition comprising a halogenated
organosulfur compound. The cover has a thickness of less than about
0.1 inches and preferably comprises a polyurethane composition. The
core can include a center and an outer core layer and the core
preferably has a diameter of at least about 1.55 inches. The center
can comprise the organosulfur compound to reduce the overall core
and ball compression as set forth below. Such cores are disclosed
in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/951,963, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0024] The polybutadiene rubber composition preferably includes
between about 2.2 parts and about 5 parts of a halogenated
organosulfur compound. The halogenated organosulfur compound may
include pentafluorothiophenol; 2-fluorothiophenol;
3-fluorothiophenol; 4-fluorothiophenol; 2,3-fluorothiophenol;
2,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,5-fluorothiophenol
2,3,4-fluorothiophenol; 3,4,5-fluorothiophenol;
2,3,4,5-tetrafluorothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorothiophenol;
4-chlorotetrafluorothiophenol; pentachlorothiophenol;
2-chlorothiophenol; 3-chlorothiophenol; 4-chlorothiophenol;
2,3-chlorothiophenol; 2,4-chlorothiophenol; 3,4-chlorothiophenol;
3,5-chlorothiophenol; 2,3,4-chlorothiophenol;
3,4,5-chlorothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorothioph- enol;
2,3,5,6-tetrachlorothiophenol; pentabromothiophenol;
2-bromothiophenol; 3-bromothiophenol; 4-bromothiophenol;
2,3-bromothiophenol; 2,4-bromothiophenol; 3,4-bromothiophenol;
3,5-bromothiophenol; 2,3,4-bromothiophenol; 3,4,5-bromothiophenol;
2,3,4,5-tetrabromothiophenol; 2,3,5,6-tetrabromothiophenol;
pentaiodothiophenol; 2-iodothiophenol; 3-iodothiophenol;
4-iodothiophenol; 2,3-iodothiophenol; 2,4-iodothiophenol;
3,4-iodothiophenol; 3,5-iodothiophenol; 2,3,4-iodothiophenol;
3,4,5-iodothiophenol; 2,3,4,5-tetraiodothiophenol;
2,3,5,6-tetraiodothiophenoland; and their zinc salts, the metal
salts thereof, and mixtures thereof, but is preferably
pentachlorothiophenol or the metal salt thereof. The metal salt may
be zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and lithium, but is
preferably zinc.
[0025] In one embodiment, the core has a compression less than
about 75 and the golf ball has a coefficient of restitution of
greater than about 0.800. In another, the core has a compression
less than about 75 and the golf ball has a coefficient of
restitution of greater than about 0.805. In still another, the core
has a compression less than about 55 and the golf ball has a
coefficient of restitution of greater than about 0.800.
[0026] The cover layer of the present invention comprises at least
one layer of a thermoplastic or thermosetting material. Any number
of a wide variety of cover materials maybe be used in the present
invention. Among the preferred conventional cover materials are
ionomer resins obtained by providing a cross metallic bond to
polymers of monoolefin with at least one member selected from the
group consisting of unsaturated mono- or di-carboxylic acids having
3 to 12 carbon atoms and esters thereof (the polymer contains 1 to
50% by weight of the unsaturated mono- or di-carboxylic acid and/or
ester thereof). More particularly, such acid-containing ethylene
copolymer ionomer component of the subject invention includes E/X/Y
copolymers where E is ethylene, X is a softening comonomer such as
acrylate or methacrylate present in 0-50 (preferably 0-25, most
preferably 0-2), weight percent of the polymer, and Y is acrylic or
methacrylic acid present in 5-35 (preferably 8-35, most preferably
8-30) weight percent of the polymer, wherein the acid moiety is
neutralized 1-100% (preferably at least 40%, most preferably at
least about 80%) to form an ionomer by a cation such as lithium*,
sodium*, potassium, magnesium*, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc*
or aluminum (*=preferred), or a combination of such cations.
Specific acid-containing ethylene copolymers include
ethylene/acrylic acid, ethylene/methacrylic acid, ethylene/acrylic
acid/n-butyl acrylate, ethylene/methacrylic acid/n-butyl acrylate,
ethylene/methacrylic acid/iso-butyl acrylate, ethylene/acrylic
acid/iso-butyl acrylate, ethylene/methacrylic acid/n-butyl
methacrylate, ethylene/acrylic acid/methyl methacrylate,
ethylene/acrylic acid/methyl acrylate, ethylene/methacrylic
acid/methyl acrylate, ethylene/methacrylic acid/methyl
methacrylate, and ethylene/acrylic acid/n-butyl methacrylate.
Preferred acid-containing ethylene copolymers include
ethylene/methacrylic acid, ethylene/acrylic acid,
ethylene/methacrylic acid/n-butyl acrylate, ethylene/acrylic
acid/n-butyl acrylate, ethylene/methacrylic acid/methyl acrylate
and ethylene/acrylic acid/methyl acrylate copolymers. The most
preferred acid-containing ethylene copolymers are
ethylene/methacrylic acid, ethylene/acrylic acid, ethylene/(meth)
acrylic acid/n-butyl acrylate, ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid/ethyl
acrylate, and ethylene/(meth) acrylic acid/methyl acrylate
copolymers. The manner in which the ionomers are made is well known
in the art as described in e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 3,262,272. Such
ionomer resins are commercially available from DuPont Co. under the
tradename SURLYN.RTM.. Likewise, other conventional materials such
as balata, elastomer and polyethylene may also be used in the cover
layers of the present invention. Additionally, foamed polymeric
materials are suitable for use in the cover layers of the present
invention. In particular, metallocene-based foam resins are useful
in the cover layers of the present invention.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
cover layer comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner
layer of the cover is either a thermoplastic material such as a
thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic rubber.
[0028] Some examples of materials suitable for use as the outer
cover layer include polyether or polyester thermoplastic urethanes
as well as thermoset polyurethanes. A preferable thermoplastic
material is a thermoplastic urethane with a melting point of about
178.degree. to about 205.degree. C. A preferable thermoset material
is a elastomer based, castable urethane. Suitable materials for the
outer layer include Urethanes, ionomers with a low modulus and
other durable materials such as EPDM and butyl rubber. If the outer
cover layer includes polyurethane, it includes a prepolymer formed
of a polyisocyanate and a polyol, and a curing agent. Preferably,
at least one of the prepolymer and curing agent are saturated. In
an alternative embodiment, the polyurethane composition comprises
at least one of a UV absorber, a hindered amine light stabilizer,
or an optical brightener. Additionally, the present invention also
contemplates the use of a polymeric foam material, such as the
metallocene-based foamed resin described above, as the material for
either the outer cover layer or the inner cover layer, but
preferably not both layers.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable
that the thermoplastic or thermosetting materials of the outer
layer have a melting point or heat of reaction (cure) temperature
less than the melting point or heat of reaction (cure) temperature
of the materials of the inner layer or mantle layer.
[0030] The inner and outer cover layers of this embodiment of the
invention can be molded about the core and mantle layers through a
variety of conventional molding methods. For example, the cover
layers can be compression molded, retractable pin injection molded,
fixed pin injection molded, reaction-injection molded, cast around
the core and mantle or a combination thereof. However, it is
important that the materials of the outer layer are characterized
in that they have thermal properties such that no flow of the inner
layer or mantle layer material occurs during the molding of the
outer cover layer regardless of the process employed to mold the
layers.
[0031] The inner cover layer of this embodiment of the present
invention has a thickness of about 0.005 inches to about 0.060
inches. The outer cover layer has a thickness of about 0.010 inches
to about 0.100 inches. In one embodiment, preferably, the inner
cover layer has a thickness of about 0.010 inches to about 0.050
inches and the outer cover layer has a thickness of about 0.030
inches to about 0.090 inches. In another embodiment, the outer
cover layer is thinner than the inner cover layer and softer than
the inner cover layer and has a thickness of between 0.005 and
0.035.
[0032] The properties such as hardness, Bashore resilience,
modulus, core diameter and mantle layer thickness of the golf balls
of the present invention have been found to effect play
characteristics such as spin, initial velocity and feel of the
present golf balls.
[0033] In particular, the thickness of the mantle layer of the
present invention is about 0.02 inches to about 0.125 inches.
Preferably, the thickness of the mantle layer is about 0.02 inches
to about 0.10 inches. Most preferably, the thickness of the mantle
layer is about 0.03 inches to about 0.05 inches. Similarly, the
diameter of the core of the present invention is about 1.25 inches
to about 1.60 inches, more preferably between about 1.30 inches and
about 1.57 inches. Most preferably the diameter of the core is
about 1.50 inches to about 1.58 inches. The overall diameter of the
core and mantle layer is about 84% to about 97% of the overall
diameter of the finished ball. The present multi-layer golf ball
can have an overall diameter of any size. Although the United
States Golf Association (USGA) specifications limit the minimum
size of a competition golf ball to more than 1.680 inches in
diameter, there is no specification as to the maximum diameter.
Moreover, golf balls of any size can be used for recreational play.
The preferred diameter of the present golf balls is from about
1.680 inches to about 1.800 inches. The more preferred diameter is
from about 1.680 inches to about 1.760 inches. The most preferred
diameter is about 1.680 inches to about 1.740 inches. However,
oversized game balls well in excess of 1.800 inches are also
contemplated by the present invention.
[0034] Several physical properties such as hardness, resilience and
modulus of the various layers of the golf balls of the present
invention are believed to impact the playing characteristics of
such golf balls. Accordingly, it is preferable that the golf balls
of one embodiment of the present invention have a mantle layer with
a flexural modulus of about 500 psi to about 15,000 psi. Likewise,
it is preferred that the mantle layer have a tensile modulus of
about 500 psi to about 15,000 psi. In another embodiment having a
cover layer with a flexual modulus of less than 20,000 psi, the
mantle layer has a flexural modulus of greater than 45,000 psi.
[0035] Further, the core of the present invention has a Bashore
resilience of about 30 to about 80. The mantle layer of the present
invention has a Bashore resilience of about 35 to about 80.
Preferably the mantle layer has a Bashore resilience of about 40 to
about 80.
[0036] The golf balls of one embodiment to the present invention
have a mantle layer with a Shore D hardness of less than about 60
to provide low spin. Preferably, the Shore D hardness of the mantle
layer is about 20 to about 60. The core has a Shore D hardness of
about 30 to about 65. Preferably, the core has a Shore D hardness
of about 35 to about 60.
[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the mantle layer has a
Shore D hardness greater than 60 and preferably comprises
thermoplastic copolyetherester block copolymer, thermoplastic
copolyesterester block copolymer, thermoplastic polyurethane,
thermoset polyurethane, dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic
elastormer, styrene-isoprene and styrene-isoprene elastomer with a
functional group such as maleic anhydride or sulfonic acid, polymer
made using a metallocene catalyst, or blends thereof and/or
thermoset materials.
[0038] The golf balls of the present invention can be made by any
conventional process employed in the golf ball art. For example,
the solid cores can be either injection or compression molded.
Similarly, the undersized wound cores of the present invention are
produced through conventional means. The mantle layer is
subsequently injection or compression molded about the core. It is
important that the mantle material be able to sustain the
temperatures applied during the application of the cover layer. As
discussed below, the mantle preferably has a high vicat point. The
cover layer or layers are then injection or compression molded or
cast about the mantle layer.
[0039] Illustrated in Table I are a number of batch formulations
for several mantle layer compositions of the present invention, as
well as properties such a hardness (Shore D), Bashore resilience,
flexural modulus, % strain at break and tensile modulus for each
composition.
[0040] The following examples of batch compositions are given to
illustrate the novel multi-layer golf balls of the present
invention. However, it is to be understood that the examples are
only for illustrative purposes and in no manner is the present
invention limited to the specific disclosures therein.
1TABLE 1 Mantle Layer Compositions and Properties Hardness Flex
Modulus Tensile Modulus % Strain at Sample (Shore D) Resilience
(psi) (psi) Break 1A 0% Estane 58091 28 54 1,720 756 563 100%
Estane 58861 1B 25% Estane 58091 34 41 2,610 2,438 626 75% Estane
58861 1C 50% Estane 58091 44 31 10,360 10,824 339 50% Estane 58861
1D 75% Estane 58091 61 34 43,030 69,918 149 25% Estane 58861 1E
100% Estane 58091 78 46 147,240 211,288 10 0% Estane 58861 2A 0%
Hytrel 5556 40 47 8,500 7,071 527 100% Hytrel 4078 2B 25% Hytrel
5556 43 51 10,020 9,726 441 75% Hytrel 4078 2C 50% Hytrel 5556 45
47 12,280 10,741 399 50% Hytrel 4078 2D 75% Hytrel 5556 48 53
13,680 13,164 374 25% Hytrel 4078 3A 0% Hytrel 5556 30 62 3,240
2,078 810 no break 100% Hytrel 3078 3B 25% Hytrel 5556 37 59 8,170
5,122 685 75% Hytrel 3078 3C 50% Hytrel 5556 44 55 15,320 10,879
590 50% Hytrel 3078 3D 75% Hytrel 5556 53 50 19,870 16,612 580 25%
Hytrel 3078 3E 100% Hytrel 5556 58 50 24,840 17,531 575 0% Hytrel
3078 4A 0% Hytrel 4078 46 51 11,150 8,061 597 100% Pebax 4033 4B
25% Hytrel 4078 46 53 10,630 7,769 644 75% Pebax 4033 4C 50% Hytrel
4078 45 52 9,780 8,117 564 50% Pebax 4D 75% Hytrel 4078 42 53 9,310
7,996 660 25% Pebax 4033 4E 100% Hytrel 4078 40 51 9,250 6,383 531
0% Pebax 4033 5A 0% Hytrel 3078 77 50 156,070 182,869 9 100 Estane
5809 5B 25% Hytrel 3078 65 48 87,680 96,543 33 75% Estane 5809 5C
50% Hytrel 3078 52 49 53,940 48,941 102 50% Estane 5809 5D 75%
Hytrel 3078 35 54 12,040 6,071 852 25% Estane 5809 5E 100% Hytrel
3078 29 50 3,240 2,078 810 no break 0% Estane 5809 6A 100% Kraton
1921 29 59 24,300 29,331 515 0% Estane 58091 0% Surlyn 7940 6B 50%
Kraton 1921 57 49 56,580 -- 145 50% Estane 58091 0% Surlyn 7940 6C
50% Kraton 1921 56 55 28,290 28,760 295 0% Estane 58091 50% Surlyn
7940 7A 33.3% Pebax 4033 48 50 41,240 30,032 294 33.3% Estane 58094
33.3% Hytrel 3078 7B 30% Pebax 4033 48 50 30,650 14,220 566 40%
Estane 58091 10% Hytrel 3078 7C 20% Pebax 4033 41 54 24,020 16,630
512 40% Estane 58091 40% Hytrel 3078
[0041] Tables II and III provide test data for one embodiment of
the present invention. In particular, the spin rate and velocity
were measured for a golf ball of the present invention wherein the
mantle layer was 100% Estane 58881 and Hytrel 4078, the cover was a
conventional Li/Na SURLYN.RTM. blend and the core was a
conventional cross-linked polybutadiene core. Also tested were
conventional two piece golf balls (a Titleist HVC 90 and Pinnacle
Gold). Each ball was tested in a True Temper Test Machine. The test
machine was configured to strike the balls with a Driver and an
Eight Iron.
2TABLE II Spin Rate Test Results for Driver Spin Velocity Sample
Launch Std. (rpm) Std. (ft/sec) Std. Titleist HVC 9.3.degree. 0.4
3038 287 159.8 1.6 (Control) Pinnacle Gold 9.3.degree. 0.4 3027 303
158.9 1.5 (Control) Estane Mantle w/ 8.8.degree. 0.6 3677 188
156.50 0.9 1.30" polybutadiene core and Li/Na SURLYN cover Hytrel
Mantle w/1.30" 8.7.degree. 0.7 3479 259 155.9 2.0 polybutadiene
core and Li/Na SURLYN cover
[0042]
3TABLE III Spin Rate Test Results for 8-Iron Spin Velocity Sample
Launch Std. (rpm) Std. (ft/sec) Std. Titleist HVC 19.5.degree. 0.3
7690 175 113.0 0.8 (Control) Pinnacle Gold 19.8.degree. 0.4 7549
209 112.5 1.0 (Control) Estane Mantle w/ 18.7.degree. 0.5 8115 257
110.7 1.1 1.30" polybutadiene core and Li/Na SURLYN cover Hytrel
Mantle w/1.30" 18.5.degree. 0.4 7913 256 110.6 1.1 polybutadiene
core and Li/Na SURLYN cover
[0043] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
the mantle layer 14 is a thermoplastic copolyetherester block
copolymer. Suitable thermoplastic copolyetheresters include
Hytrel.RTM. 6356, Hytrel.RTM. 7246 Hytrel.RTM. 8238 which are
commercially available from DuPont. Hytrel.RTM. 6356 being the most
preferred.
4 Flex modulus Hardness Vicat Point Material (psi) (shore D) (F)
Low acid ionomers (15% or less) 8940 51,000 65 145 7940 61,000 68
145 9910 48,000 64 144 High acid ionomers 8140 75,000 65 136 Hytrel
6356 48,000 63 412 7246 83,000 72 424 8238 174,000 82 433
[0044] The mantle layer according to the present invention
preferably has a specific gravity greater than about 1.2. In one
embodiment, the specific gravity of the mantle layer is increased
to about 1.25 by adding abut 20% of a filler such as barium
sulfate, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and combinations thereof. The
most preferred golf ball is comprised of a mantle layer make of
Hytrel.RTM. 6356 and 20% zinc oxide or 10% Tungsten. As shown
above, the thermoplastic copolytheresters have a very high vicat
softening temperature. This aids in manufacturing and particularly
when a thermoset polyurethane cover is cast or
reaction-injection-molded directly over the mantle layer.
Preferably, the mantle layer is comprised of a material having a
Vicat point greater than about 250.degree. F. More preferably, the
mantle layer material has a Vicat point greater than about
350.degree. F.
[0045] Suitable dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers
include Santoprene.RTM., Sarlink.RTM., Vyram.RTM., Dytron.RTM. and
Vistaflex.RTM.. Santoprene.RTM. is the trademark for a dynamically
vulcanized PP/EPDM. Santoprene.RTM. 203-40 is an example of a
preferred Santoprene.RTM. and is commercially available from
Advanced Elastomer Systems. An example of suitable functionalized
styrene-butadiene elastomer, i.e., styrene-butadiene elastomers
with functional groups such as maleic anhydride or sulfonic acid,
is Kraton G7680 which is available from the Shell Corporation.
Examples of suitable thermoplastic polyurethanes include
Estane.RTM. 58861 and Estane.RTM. 58091, which are commercially
available from the B.F. Goodrich Company. Suitable metallocene
polymers, i.e., polymers made with a metallocene catalyst, whose
melting points are higher than the cover materials can be employed
in the mantle layer of the present invention. Further, the
materials for the mantle layer described above may be in the form
of a foamed polymeric material. For example, suitable metallocene
polymers include foams of thermoplastic elastomers based on
metalocene single catalyst-based foams. Such metallocene-based foam
resins are commercially available from Sentinel Products of Hyannis
Massachusetts.
EXAMPLES
[0046] These and other aspects of the present invention may be more
fully understood with reference to the following non-limiting
examples, which are merely illustrative of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention golf ball, and are not to be construed as
limiting the invention, the scope of which is defined by the
appended claims.
[0047] The first example is a ball with a core diameter of about
1.45. The core has a high specific gravity. Preferably, the core
has a specific gravity of greater than 1.21 and most preferably
about 1.23. The mantle layer covering the core has a thickness of
about 0.05 to 0.1 inches, preferably about 0.06-0.08 inches. The
mantle layer preferably has a specific gravity of 0.91 and is made
of Kraton G7890 or Hytrel 6356 or 7246. The cover of the ball has a
thickness of about 0.02 to 0.05 and most preferably about 0.045
inches. The cover preferably has a specific gravity of about 0.95
to 1.1 and is made of SURLYN.RTM. or a MDI cast polyurethane as set
forth below. The golf ball preferably weights about 1.618
ounces.
[0048] The second example of a golf ball made according to the
present invention has a core with a low specific gravity and a
mantle layer with a high specific gravity. Preferably, mantle layer
has a specific gravity of greater than 1.21, most preferably the
mantle layer has a specific gravity of about 1.25. In the preferred
embodiment, the mantle layer is made of Hytrel 6356. The mantle
layer has a thickness of about 0.02 to about 0.05 inches, and most
preferably about 0.03 inches. The cover is preferably a cast
polyurethane having a flexural modulus of less than 20,000 psi.
[0049] The core of the second example preferably has a specific
gravity of less than 1.21 and most preferably a specific gravity of
about 1.13. The diameter of the core is preferably 1.4 to 1.6
inches and most preferably about 1.55 inches. The cover layer
surrounding both the core and mantle layer has a thickness of about
0.02 to about 0.05 inches and most preferably about 0.03 inches.
Further, the specific gravity of the cover is most preferably about
0.95 to about 1.1.
[0050] While the cover may be formed of any of the above-listed
materials, the outer cover preferably includes a polyurethane,
polyurea, or epoxy composition, generally comprising the reaction
product of at least one polyisocyanate, polyol, and at least one
curing agent. Any polyisocyanate available to one of ordinary skill
in the art is suitable for use according to the invention.
Exemplary polyisocyanates include, but are not limited to,
4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate ("MDI"); polymeric MDI;
carbodiimide-modified liquid MDI; 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane
diisocyanate ("H.sub.12MDI"); p-phenylene diisocyanate ("PPDI");
m-phenylene diisocyanate ("MPDI"); toluene diisocyanate ("TDI");
3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate ("TODI");
isophoronediisocyanate ("IPDI"); hexamethylene diisocyanate
("HDI"); naphthalene diisocyanate ("NDI"); xylene diisocyanate
("XDI"); p-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate ("p-TMXDI");
m-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate ("m-TMXDI"); ethylene
diisocyanate; propylene-1,2-diisocyana- te;
tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate; cyclohexyl diisocyanate;
1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate ("HDI"); dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate;
cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate;
cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate;
1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatome- thylcyclohexane;
methyl cyclohexylene diisocyanate; triisocyanate of HDI;
triisocyanate of 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexane diisocyanate ("TMDI");
tetracene diisocyanate; napthalene diisocyanate; anthracene
diisocyanate; isocyanurate of toluene diisocyanate; uretdione of
hexamethylene diisocyanate; and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the
polyisocyanate includes MDI, PPDI, TDI, or a mixture thereof, and
more preferably, the polyisocyanate includes MDI. It should be
understood that, as used herein, the term "MDI" includes
4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymeric MDI,
carbodiimide-modified liquid MDI, and mixtures thereof and,
additionally, that the diisocyanate employed may be "low free
monomer," understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to have
lower levels of "free" monomer isocyanate groups, typically less
than about 0.1% free monomer groups. Examples of "low free monomer"
diisocyanates include, but are not limited to Low Free Monomer MDI,
Low Free Monomer TDI, and Low Free Monomer PPDI.
[0051] The at least one polyisocyanate should have less than about
14% unreacted NCO groups. Preferably, the at least one
polyisocyanate has no greater than about 7.5% NCO, and more
preferably, less than about 7.0%.
[0052] Any polyol available to one of ordinary skill in the art is
suitable for use according to the invention. Exemplary polyols
include, but are not limited to, polyether polyols,
hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (including partially/fully
hydrogenated derivatives), polyester polyols, polycaprolactone
polyols, and polycarbonate polyols. In one preferred embodiment,
the polyol includes polyether polyol. Examples include, but are not
limited to, polytetramethylene ether glycol ("PTMEG"), polyethylene
propylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.
The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds and
substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.
Preferably, the polyol of the present invention includes PTMEG.
[0053] Suitable polyester polyols include, but are not limited to,
polyethylene adipate glycol; polybutylene adipate glycol;
polyethylene propylene adipate glycol; o-phthalate-1,6-hexanediol;
poly(hexamethylene adipate) glycol; and mixtures thereof. The
hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or
substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.
[0054] Suitable polycaprolactone polyols include, but are not
limited to, 1,6-hexanediol-initiated polycaprolactone, diethylene
glycol initiated polycaprolactone, trimethylol propane initiated
polycaprolactone, neopentyl glycol initiated polycaprolactone,
1,4-butanediol-initiated polycaprolactone, PTMEG-initiated
polycaprolactone, and mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon chain can
have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or substituted or
unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.
[0055] Suitable polycarbonates include, but are not limited to,
polyphthalate carbonate and poly(hexamethylene carbonate) glycol.
The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds, or
substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.
[0056] Polyamine curatives are also suitable for use in
polyurethane covers. Preferred polyamine curatives include, but are
not limited to, 3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers
thereof; 3,5-diethyltoluene-2,4-diamine and isomers thereof, such
as 3,5-diethyltoluene-2,6-diamine;
4,4'-bis-(sec-butylamino)-diphenylmethane- ;
1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino)-benzene,
4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline);
4,4'-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline) ("MCDEA");
polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate; N,N'-dialkyldiamino
diphenyl methane; p,p'-methylene dianiline ("MDA");
m-phenylenediamine ("MPDA"); 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline)
("MOCA"); 4,4'-methylene-bis-(2,6-di- ethylaniline) ("MDEA");
4,4'-methylene-bis-(2,3-dichloroaniline) ("MDCA");
4,4'-diamino-3,3'-diethyl-5,5'-dimethyl diphenylmethane;
2,2',3,3'-tetrachloro diamino diphenylmethane; trimethylene glycol
di-p-aminobenzoate; and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the curing
agent of the present invention includes
3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers thereof, such as
Ethacure.RTM. 300, commercially available from Albermarle
Corporation of Baton Rouge, La. Suitable polyamine curatives
include both primary and secondary amines.
[0057] At least one of a diol, triol, tetraol, or
hydroxy-terminated curatives may be added to the aforementioned
polyurethane composition. Suitable diol, triol, and tetraol groups
include ethylene glycol; diethylene glycol; polyethylene glycol;
propylene glycol; polypropylene glycol; lower molecular weight
polytetramethylene ether glycol; 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene;
1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]benze- ne;
1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}benzene;
1,4-butanediol; 1,5-pentanediol; 1,6-hexanediol;
resorcinol-di-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)ether- ;
hydroquinone-di-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)ether; and mixtures thereof.
Preferred hydroxy-terminated curatives include
1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)be- nzene;
1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]benzene;
1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydrox- yethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}benzene;
1,4-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
[0058] Both the hydroxy-terminated and amine curatives can include
one or more saturated, unsaturated, aromatic, and cyclic groups.
Additionally, the hydroxy-terminated and amine curatives can
include one or more halogen groups. The polyurethane composition
can be formed with a blend or mixture of curing agents. If desired,
however, the polyurethane composition may be formed with a single
curing agent.
[0059] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present
invention, saturated polyurethanes used to form cover layers,
preferably the outer cover layer, and may be selected from among
both castable thermoset and thermoplastic polyurethanes. In this
embodiment, the saturated polyurethanes are substantially free of
aromatic groups or moieties.
[0060] Saturated diisocyanates which can be used include, but are
not limited to, ethylene diisocyanate; propylene-1,2-diisocyanate;
tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate; 1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate
("HDI"); 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate;
2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate;
dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate; dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate;
cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate;
cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate;
1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatome- thylcyclohexane;
isophorone diisocyanate ("IPDI"); methyl cyclohexylene
diisocyanate; triisocyanate of HDI; triisocyanate of
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexane diisocyanate ("TMDI"). The most
preferred saturated diisocyanates are 4, 4'-dicyclohexylmethane
diisocyanate ("HMDI") and isophorone diisocyanate ("IPDI").
[0061] Saturated polyols which are appropriate for use in this
invention include, but are not limited to, polyether polyols such
as polytetramethylene ether glycol and poly(oxypropylene) glycol.
Suitable saturated polyester polyols include polyethylene adipate
glycol, polyethylene propylene adipate glycol, polybutylene adipate
glycol, polycarbonate polyol and ethylene oxide-capped
polyoxypropylene diols. Saturated polycaprolactone polyols which
are useful in the invention include diethylene glycol initiated
polycaprolactone, 1,4-butanediol initiated polycaprolactone,
1,6-hexanediol initiated polycaprolactone; trimethylol propane
initiated polycaprolactone, neopentyl glycol initiated
polycaprolactone, PTMEG-initiated polycaprolactone. The most
preferred saturated polyols are PTMEG and PTMEG-initiated
polycaprolactone.
[0062] Suitable saturated curatives include 1,4-butanediol,
ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polytetramethylene ether
glycol, propylene glycol; trimethanolpropane;
tetra-(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine; isomers and mixtures of
isomers of cyclohexyldimethylol, isomers and mixtures of isomers of
cyclohexane bis(methylamine); triisopropanolamine, ethylene
diamine, diethylene triamine, triethylene tetramine, tetraethylene
pentamine, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diamine,
2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine;
2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine; diethyleneglycol
di-(aminopropyl)ether; 4,4'-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclo-
hexylmethane; 1,2-bis-(sec-butylamino)cyclohexane;
1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino- )cyclohexane; isophorone diamine,
hexamethylene diamine, propylene diamine, 1-methyl-2,4-cyclohexyl
diamine, 1-methyl-2,6-cyclohexyl diamine, 1,3-diaminopropane,
dimethylamino propylamine, diethylamino propylamine,
imido-bis-propylamine, isomers and mixtures of isomers of
diaminocyclohexane, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine,
triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, and diisopropanolamine. The
most preferred saturated curatives are 1,4-butanediol,
1,4-cyclohexyldimethylol and
4,4'-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclohexylmethane.
[0063] Suitable catalysts include, but are not limited to bismuth
catalyst, oleic acid, triethylenediamine (DABCO.RTM.-33LV),
di-butyltin dilaurate (DABCO.RTM.-T12) and acetic acid. The most
preferred catalyst is di-butyltin dilaurate (DABCO.RTM.-T12).
DABCO.RTM. materials are manufactured by Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc.
[0064] As used herein, the term "about," used in connection with
one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to
refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range.
[0065] The invention described and claimed herein is not to be
limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed,
since these embodiments are intended al illustrations of several
aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended
to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various
modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and
described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also
intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *